SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Anti-Defamation League today condemned the upcoming appearance of Gilad Atzmon, a London-based anti-Semitic author, writer and musician, in Oakland on February 25.  Atzmon is scheduled to speak at the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, in conversation with KPFA's Dennis Bernstein. 

Nancy J. Appel, ADL's Associate Director, stated:

"For over a decade, Gilad Atzmon's writings have employed traditional anti-Semitic stereotypes while demonizing Israel, Zionism and Jewish culture and identity.  Atzmon is a prolific promoter of classic anti-Semitic conspiracy theories who has even gone so far as to distribute the writings of well-known Holocaust deniers and to claim that the Nazi death marches 'were actually humane.' 

"While we do not question Atzmon's right to speak, community leaders and people of good conscience should exercise their free speech rights unequivocally to condemn Atzmon's anti-Semitic hate mongering.  Just as local officials would not remain silent if a virulently racist speaker were coming to town – they should react as forcefully when an anti-Semite visits their public center."

A flyer publicizing the anti-Israel fundraiser at which Atzmon will appear states that it is a benefit for the "Global March to Jerusalem – North America." The "Global March to Jerusalem" campaign seeks to coordinate efforts by anti-Israel activists to cross Israel's borders and enter Jerusalem to "demand [its] freedom" on March 30, 2012.  The "Global March to Jerusalem" Facebook page is rife with anti-Semitic and other extreme content. 

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred and bigotry.

SOURCE Anti-Defamation League

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